ARTISTS FAQ

RESIDENCY PROGRAM BASICSHow many temporary artists are in residence during your sessions?There are usually two visual artists and three performers participating in each residency session.

How many resident artists are in residence during your sessions?There are usually artists in permanent residence at Jobel Centre plus Lorenzo our artistic Director. They work all year in other projects promoted by Jobel. Theatre School (Educational Project), Live performances around Rieti, Seminars and campus for all aged people. They represent also the working staff which are divided in teachers, performers,, organizers, logistics managers and directional managers..

What are the time frames of the residences being offered?We offer 1 month-long residencies, beginning on the 1st till the end of the calendar month. We encourage artists to arrive no later than the 3rd of the residency month in order to benefit of the full residency period.

APPLICATION PROCESS, ELIGIBILITYWhat kind of application process is involved?JOBEL can accept only applications made via the online submission system available from our website. ONLY applications submitted via Google Forms will be considered.

Is there an age requirement?We do not allow artists under the age of twenty-one to participate. There is no upper age limit.

What is the policy on international applicants?We enthusiastically welcome international applicants. For artists who need a visa for entry into Italy, we are happy to prepare a formal letter of invitation and will provide whatever additional support information is requested, but it will be your responsibility to carry the burden of the visa acquisition process through the appropriate channels. If you are planning to come from abroad for a residency, you should start working on such arrangements early. Artists must be reasonably fluent in English.

Can couples apply?We accept applications from couples but each artist needs to submit a separate application for residency.

Can two or more individuals apply to work on a collaborative project?Yes but each artist needs to submit a separate application for residency.

What is the policy on spouses or partners?We can accommodate spouses and partners at the cost of 45€ per day included food and accomodation. Children and animals are generally not allowed.

If I was on the waiting list from last year or was accepted for a residency last year but was unable to attend, do I need to re-apply?Due to the increasing number of applications for Jobel residencies, we cannot carry forward artists from the previous year’s waiting list or automatically accommodate artists who declined a prior invitation. So, you will need to re-apply.

Can students apply?Yes, students may apply, but the Jobel residency program is mainly targeted to emerging and mid-career artists.

In the application, you ask for date of birth? Is that really necessary or relevant?Date of birth information is gathered for statistical purposes, to help us learn what types of artists we’re appealing to, and perhaps, those we’re not attracting, for whatever reason.

What if I am scheduled for a residency and have to cancel?You should not accept a Jobel residency if your attendance is at all in question. Check that your personal, financial, professional and visa-related affairs are reasonably in order before you commit. If an unexpected emergency or other circumstance arises that makes attendance impossible, please let us know immediately so that we may attempt to schedule someone from our waiting list in your place. Be aware that any notification of cancelation less than 60 days prior to your scheduled arrival date will create a severe hardship for the program.

SELECTION PROCESSWhat is the general philosophy behind Jobel selection process?Jobel selections are based on the strength of the artist’s existing body of work, the perceived relevance and compatibility of the creative project(s) and inquiries being proposed and an evaluation of the likelihood of the artist achieving success and satisfaction in the environment that’s been created at Jobel. We welcome candidates from differing age groups and with varying backgrounds and systems of belief.

How important is the resume/CV?While jurors certainly review educational achievements and other professional credentials and recognition, Jobel is not at all dismissive of self-taught artists or those working outside the academic, commercial or cultural mainstream.

Any other important factors?A reasonably coherent project proposal or, alternatively, an interesting concept for an investigation or experiment is usually well received. Also, a submission package that evidences commitment and depth of development and direction within one’s practice will tend to be viewed more favorably than a broad survey or sampling of capabilities. Panelists also tend to appreciate brevity and focus in applicants’ responses to the questions on the application form.

COST, OBLIGATIONSWhat expenses will I need to cover?Jobel is a nonprofit organization currently functioning without any external financing. At the moment we can continue to host artists only on fee basis.The cost per artist/month are as follows:500 Euros/month per artist (shared room) 650(private room and bathroom). Residents are responsible for their travel, working materials, personal expenses during the residency.We reserve the possibilty of covering material cost if your work is very relevant for our program.

LODGINGWill I need to bring towels and sheets and what about laundry facilities?We will provide you with blankets and bedding items. Towels are provided.We have a washing machine on site. We will give you a dirty clothes bag and wash your clothes once a week and give you back washed and ironed clothes after 3 days.

TRANSPORTATIONHow do I get to Centro Jobel?From Fiumicino airport there are direct subway to Tiburtina Station. From there you have to reach bus station outside the train station and take the bus direction “Rieti”. Your stop is called “Km 64” or “Bivio Ornaro basso”. Once on the bus you can ask to the driver. Here you can find time schedule from Tiburtina https://servizi.cotralspa.it/Orari

How do I get around when there?There are a few places of interest close to Centro Jobel that can be reached via the local bus system.Torricella in Sabina and Rieti.

STUDIOS, EQUIPMENTWhat kind of workspaces are provided?The entire centre and the adjacent spaces are put at the disposal of the artists in residence. We use the spaces in an organic way based on what activities are taking place in the theatre and the work needs of the resident artists. We provide basic multi-use spaces and equipment which artists need to coordinate usage upon arrival with the Residency Manager and the other artists-in-residence. We ask you to be flexible and respectful towards others and creative in adapting spaces to your needs.

Does Jobel have studio spaces outfitted with equipment for computer-generated/new media art?At the moment we cannot provide any specialized equipment for media-art. Artists working in new media typically bring along their own gear.

What about facilities for photography and video art?We regularly host artists working in these areas. Although we don’t have a darkroom or special equipment or software, we can provide a space where (most) external light is blocked out. If this is needed, advance notice would be appreciated.

SUPPORT, FOOD, AMENITIESWhat about meals?We have a service of catering basis to all artists in residence. Artists are responsible for the costs of all additional food & personal items except breakfast lunch and dinner. We have options for vegan, vegetarian and gluten free due to a previous comunication.

Cleanup, composting?Cleaning duties should be shared between resident artists – we do not feel it is necessary to monitor you or ‘give’ you duties – common sense and a mature and responsible attitude should be enough to ensure that due respect is shown to others as well as to the spaces and facilities. We are conscientious about composting and recycling.

What kinds of communications are available at Jobel?If you have a laptop that has wireless capability, you should be able to readily utilize our wireless network, available in all area. It is highly recommended having a cell phone that works in Europe, even if keeping a non-Italian SIM card, it can be very useful if any problems arise during your travel, or for day to day communication with residency staff, other artists etc. If possible, we recommend bringing an unlocked cell phone and purchasing an Italian SIM upon arrival in Italy.

JOBEL CENTRE AND THE WOODIs it possible to create site installations in the wood?Certainly, those interested are encouraged to engage the wood space and will find here a rich canvas for their creations. The main considerations are site’s location, safety, feasibility/capability and intensity of the intervention (at this time, some installations are considered temporary and some permanent). In most cases, a written proposal and sketch will be required in advance and the artist will be responsible for removing the installation at the end of his or her residency or at the end of the season. In certain exceptional cases, installations may remain up for a longer time frame and Jobel will either maintain or dispose of them at the appropriate time. All projects are subject to the approval of the Jobel Director.

Does Jobel provide support for such installations?On a case-by-case basis, Jobel can provide logistic and limited equipment support for site installations.

Is it alright to use materials found at Jobel in my work product?Yes, there is quite a variety of materials and objects, including sartory, on the site that you are welcome to utilize. Just please ask permission first as there are a few things that need to be preserved.

What to bring?– A cell phone from which you can alt least send & receive SMSs.– Cash – there is no ATM in Torricella in Sabina. Please bring enough cash to last you a few days. There are ATMs in the nearby towns.– Any special materials & equipment – remember Torricella in Sabina is a very small village with only basic shops.– It can be cool here, so please bring warm layers to wear and maybe slippers.– Any special medication (Italian pharmacies are well equipped, but it is better to come prepared).

RULES, POLICIESCan I invite a guest?We can accommodate overnight stays of guests at the cost of 45€ each person per day included accomodation and food. We usually have a full house and a guest has the potential to upset the social balance of the place, particularly if the nature of the guest relationship is purely social. Artists are responsible for the proper behavior of their guests.

SOCIAL ASPECTS, DIVERSIONS, SHOPPINGAre there any social or public events planned?In the centre take place a number of activities during the week: theatre plays, concerts or workshops. Artists are welcome to participate in any of the events though, in some cases, a good understanding of Italian may be required. Please inquire.

The activities here take place organically based on our scheduled activities, artists’ interests and other factors. The key is to strike a sensible balance between the work schedules and ambitions of resident artists and their desire for social interaction and exposure to cultural happenings. Attendance at all social functions is entirely voluntary.

MISCELLANEOUSCan I ship materials via UPS or other means in advance of my arrival?Sure, but it’s a good idea to let us know your intentions in advance so we can be on the lookout for your packages and put them in a safe spot for you. Keep in mind that you are responsible for the shipment of any articles back home at the end of your residency (packaging, making your own arrangements with the shipper, including payment arrangements, etc.). Please don’t leave items behind for us to send back for you.

Do you have any advice for an artist who has never participated in a residency program before?In our invitations and announcements, we refer to ‘self-directed’ residencies at Jobel. You need to be prepared to set your own goals and organize your daily routine accordingly to achieve these goals. Jobel imposes very little organizational structure – you’re basically on your own in terms of making effective use of your time. Not everyone has the discipline or motivation to deal with this freedom successfully.

The other aspect of life at Jobel that has been problematic for a few of our residents has been the issue of solitude and quiet. The general area itself is very quiet. Although the solitude and the ability to control one’s own time are highly valued by most of those who come to Jobel, this is not for everyone. Some individuals need a more broadly and predictably supportive social structure, external sources of direction and even, in some cases, a bit of commotion. You should not expect Jobel to provide these for you.